Jimmy’s Mercedes-Benz Vito is a peak performer
Bolton Wanderers FC legend Jimmy Phillips teamed-up with Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealer Ciceley Commercials to support a team of charity walkers on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge.
The trial entails trekking over the highest points of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours, which means a comfortable, reliable vehicle in which to drive between them is every bit as crucial to success as strong legs and lungs.
Jimmy, who racked up more than 300 appearances as a defender for his home town team, as well as serving two stints as caretaker manager, is now in charge of developing young Wanderers talent in his role as Academy Director.
He acted as support driver to the team of walkers, driving between the three hiking sections in a nine-seat Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer loaned by Ciceley Commercials’ Bolton branch.
Led by tireless fund-raiser Daniella Chesney, the sponsored walkers were raising cash for The Christie Charity, which supports the work of Manchester’s Christie Hospital, the largest cancer treatment centre of its kind in Europe. Their target is £10,000. Daniella chose the charity as a way of thanking the hospital that treated her successfully for no fewer than seven bouts of cancer in seven years.
Jimmy Phillips“The Vito was brilliant, so smooth, quiet and comfortable that I never felt too tired”
The walkers were up and down Great Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, near Fort William in Scotland, in about five hours. Jimmy then drove them through the night to Scafell Pike in the Lake District, where he grabbed a nap in the Vito before setting off again on the drive to Snowdon in North Wales.
“We had a nervous moment or two when were held up by a road accident on the A55, which meant we were late arriving at the start point,” recalled Jimmy. “The walkers had to pick up the pace but they rose to the challenge and made it to the top and back with just five minutes to spare.”
By the time he had chauffeured them back to Bolton, Jimmy had clocked-up close to 900 miles at the wheel. “Meanwhile, the walkers were also able to relax and even sleep during the drives between peaks. It was the perfect vehicle for the job, and a very important member of the team.”
As a 116 CDI variant, Ciceley’s Vito is powered by a 161 hp, 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine capable of returning up to 45.6 mpg (combined cycle). Its three rows of seats, mounted on rails so they can be slid backwards or forwards, meant there was ample room for Jimmy and his six passengers, as well as all their kit.
Like all Vito models, the vehicle is also equipped with a class-leading array of standard safety features. Jimmy did not activate it, but the innovative Attention Assist system, which automatically detects and signs of drowsiness and alerts the driver through a combination of visual and audible warning signals, was certainly reassuring.
Mike Lewis, Dealer Principal at Ciceley Commercials, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Jimmy, Daniella and their team on this very worthy undertaking, and we knew the Vito would be just the vehicle they needed.”
The charity appeal is still ongoing – those wishing to donate can do so throughwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/daniella-chesney
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It was a pleasure to welcome Richard Skidmore to our new Eurocentral dealership yesterday, on what was an incredibly significant day as he was announced as the new Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK.
Firstly, congratulations to Richard on his well-deserved appointment. With his extensive industry knowledge, strong leadership and deep understanding of both our network and our customers, there’s no doubt he is exceptionally well placed to lead Daimler Truck UK into its next chapter. Building on the strong growth and success achieved by Daimler Truck in recent years, we are confident Richard will continue to drive the business forward. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership under his leadership.
Richard`s visit also provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the fantastic progress being made on our new £8 million, state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Buses dealership at Eurocentral.
The project is progressing exactly as planned, with the facility firmly on track for completion in October, ahead of welcoming our first customers in the first week of November. Each week brings us closer to opening what will be one of the UK’s most advanced commercial vehicle dealerships, delivering an exceptional experience for customers across Scotland and providing a first-class environment for our colleagues and manufacturer partners.
Thank you to Richard for taking the time to visit us during such an exciting week. We look forward to welcoming you back when the doors officially open.
#MercedesBenzTrucks #DaimlerTruckUK #Eurocentral #CommercialVehicles
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We`re looking for a Service Advisor to join our award-winning team at Ciceley Commercials Darwen.
As the first point of contact for our customers, you`ll play a key role in ensuring vehicles are maintained and returned to the road as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you`re organised, customer-focused and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we`d love to hear from you. View the full job description and apply on our website.
What a fantastic day at our Ciceley golf day at @boltonoldlinksgolf ⛳
The weather may have tested us with a wet start, but once the skies cleared it turned into a brilliant day of golf, great company, and friendly competition.
We`re also delighted to have raised £535 for @eastlancshospice – a cause that means so much to our team and local community. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped make the day such a success.
Take a look at some of the highlights from a memorable day on the course! 🎥🏌️♂️💙
To celebrate our recent recognition as Mercedes-Benz Dealer of the Year and Service Team of the Year, colleagues across the group enjoyed a well-earned lunch from @gogetstuffed 🍟
A huge thank you to Team Ciceley for your hard work, dedication and commitment. These awards are yours. 👏
STOP SCROLLING! Call us and give the code ‘ LUTON750 ‘ for a further £750 off the marked price! #exclusive #offer #mercedesbenz #sprinter #luton
Blind guessing what van it is, based on nothing but sounds 👀 #mercedesbenz #vans #humour #vito #esprinter
A fantastic review for our Used Van Sales Executive, Mike Bishop, at Blackburn 👏
Delivering excellent customer service, expert advice and a smooth handover experience is what it’s all about — well done Mike.
If you`re in the market for a used vehicle, please take a look at our stock page now: https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/new-used-van-stock/
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Getting into a van in 30 degree heat isn’t fun… BUT we’ve got a solution!!! #vanlife #mercedesme #preentry #climatecontrol #michaeljackson
We caught up with our Dealer Principal, Andy Heys. We asked him some questions about our recent MAR20X renovation. #awardwinning #mercedesbenz #commercial #dealer #truckandvan
Another amazing review for our Blackburn Service Team who continue to deliver outstanding customer service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer who visits us.
From expert support in the workshop to the all-important coffee ☕ — it’s great to see the team’s hard work recognised!
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